Khautsausie[1] is a harvest festival celebrated every January by the Khiamniungans of Noklak district Nagaland state, India.[2] It is alternatively called and spelled Khaozaosie-Hok-Ah, Khaozaosey-hok-ah and sometimes called Khaozaosie. .[3]

It was used to hold local brew or wine in the olden days

Significance

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The term is combination of two words i.e. Khautsau which is derived from the meaning “Bamboo Container with a Straw pipe”, and Sie relates to a brew of local wine.[3] During this festival grains are used as a part of rituals and also for feasting.[4] It is a time of forgiveness and restoration of peace between villagers, sharing food and meat with the kins and fellow communities to ensure strong bondage between kins, relatives and communities.[5] The ceremony is followed by traditional dances by both men and women, and the focus is given on handicrafts, traditional arts, indigenous games and sports.[6]

History

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This festival is celebrated by exchanging and sharing drinks and meat with dancing and merry making after burning the fields is done. [2] This festival marked the end of agricultural activities thus precedes the Thanksgiving ceremony. [7][8] The inclusiveness of the festival exhibits potential tourism in the region and rejuvenation of cultural values ingrained in its history.[6]

References

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  1. ^ "Yesterday's lifestyle today's identity Sanglau community celebrates culture and traditions-Nagaland Tribune". nagalandtribune.in. 21 January 2024.
  2. ^ a b "Khaozaosie-Hok-Ah festival celebrated". MorungExpress.
  3. ^ a b "Khaozaosey-hok-ah | District Noklak, Government of Nagaland | India".
  4. ^ : Traditional art form : Ministry of Tribal Affairs
  5. ^ "Khiamniungan apex bodies visit Chiu village following fire tragedy". nagalandtribune.in. 8 February 2023.
  6. ^ a b "Khaozaosie-Hok-Ah: The festival of feast and rest with a local brew". nagalandtribune.in. 17 January 2024.
  7. ^ "Khiamniungan Tribe Celebrates 'Khaozaosie Hok- Ah' Festival - Eastern Mirror". easternmirrornagaland.com. 21 January 2022.
  8. ^ "KUT celebrates Khaozaosie Hok-Ah festival". morungexpress.com.